The denim skirt made a huge comeback this summer, and I’m thinking it’ll be popular for fall too. I haven’t taken the plunge to get one yet, but I’m closely watching the featured denim mini skirt. It has a flattering A-line silhouette that screams summer but is also perfect for fall layering. It looks great now with blouses demi tucked. And, later? It’ll look equally fabulous with chunky sweaters, boyfriend blazers, and boots.

Denim Skirt Outfit:

Floral blouse | Skirt | Bow mules | Fan earrings | Bucket bag

Ribbons are everywhere in Fall 2018 collections. Even if you’ve never been one to to put a bow on it, you’re sure to like the 2018 version of the trend. Bows in the hair, bows at the sleeves, bows are everywhere. I’m particularly drawn to bow next tie blouses. And, for fall, I’m especially fond of bow neck sweaters. The one I’m featuring today is available in 3 colors, and it’s already on sale.

What I’m wearing:

Sweater c/o | Tee | Jeans c/o | Belt | Loafers (similar, option) | Watch | Earrings (option)

This bow neck sweater is currently marked down (under $30) at J.Crew Factory. It might still be hot outside, but I simply couldn’t pass on the opportunity to grab one. I’m wearing it in Cabernet, but it’s also available in Antique White and Heather Grey.

I knew I wanted to layer this sweater over tees (like my striped tee) as well as button-down shirts, so I got the sweater in a size small (my typical sweater size). If I wanted a more fitted look, however, I could easily size down in this one. The sweater is stretchy.

The Cabernet color on this sweater is such an IT color for fall. It’s one of my favorite seasonal hues too. It’s the combination of the Cabernet and black bow that inspired the mixed-print combination I’m wearing.

By the way, I’m wearing a pair of J.Crew Factory high-rise jeans. I had to see if they were perfect dupes for Madewell jeans. Not quite. The Factory jeans have a lighter weight and less stretch. While I wear a standard 28 in Madewell jeans, I had to get a size 29 in these. They don’t have the same flattering fit as Madewell jeans, but they’re a fabulous, lower-priced option. These jeans start at $79.50 (instead of $135 at Madewell), and they’re on sale (under $40) right now.

See more of my early fall finds from J.Crew Factory here.

Shop bow neck sweaters and more:

If you’re like me, you have a few fashion items in your closet that you love and have worn a lot. You’ve worn them so much, though, that these closet favorites just don’t feel fresh and exciting anymore. Before you get rid of them, consider these 4 easy ways to make those beloved items feel new again.

What I’m wearing:

Maxi dress (option) | Denim jacket (also love this) | Sandals (similar, similar)

Eyes: Urban Decay Born to Run palette c/o | Lip: Urban Decay “Aphrodisiac” gloss c/o

1. Push the envelope on styling

Wearing old items in new ways is an easy way to make them feel fresh. But, when you push the envelope on your styling, things can get even more interesting. You’ve seen me wear this white maxi dress here and here. It’s fairly sweet looking. To make it a tad more edgy, sexy even, I added my denim jacket and draped it off the shoulders.

2. Switch up accessories

Accessories are one my favorite tools for changing the mood of a look. From statement sunglasses to that IT bag or belt, the right accessories can be game-changing. In this look, I relied on a lovely layer of dainty necklaces because even minimal jewelry can have a big impact.

3. Experiment with color

Colorblocking has been crucial to reviving my interest in old closet favorites. Whether I try an unusual color pairing or block similar colors together, playing with color often gets me excited about old favorites. In this look, I turned to makeup for a pop of color. By the way, I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with bolder eye makeup (using the Born to Run eyeshadow palette) and nude lips.

4. Turn to alterations

Simple alterations can give new life to old basics. This particular maxi dress is so long on me that I’m considering making it a midi length dress instead. That’s a fairly inexpensive change that’ll make this oldie feel like a new dress.

Location: Red Robin, Brentwood, St. Louis

The Madewell x Karen Walker collection (shop it here) quietly launched yesterday. It is filled with vibrant prints, edgy denim, bold colors, and of course, statement sunnies. Furthermore, the entire collection is size inclusive, with sizes ranging from 00 to 24. There’s even more. While Madewell has featured some fairly expensive collections (like Apiece Apart™) in the past, this collection is surprisingly affordable. I like every single item in the collection, y’all. Here are some highlights.

Madewell x Karen Walker:

Floral Fantasia dress | Denim off-the-shoulder dress

Floral dress | Denim jumpsuit | Bell-sleeved sweatshirt

Related: Why I love Madewell jeans | Most recent Madewell purchase

I love it when I can transform pieces in my wardrobe, especially statement items, into something completely different. Rocking my wrap dresses as dusters might be one of my favorite transformations. You’ve seen me do this with a DVF dress before (see here). Today, I’m wearing a fabulous geometric print wrap dress (now under $50) as a wrap dress cardigan.

What I’m wearing:

Wrap dress (option) | Tank | High-rise jeans | Pumps (similar)

Lip: Charlotte Tilbury “Red Carpet Red” lipstick

The actual wrap dress cardigan transformation is easy and fuss-free. I simply pull the ties of the dress inside and knot them at the back. They stay concealed. And, you can completely adjust how tight you tie them to customize the look of the cardigan.

One of my signature looks to create with a long cardigan pairs high-rise skinny jeans with a fitted tee. The cardigan, of course, pulls the look together. There is just something magical about the fitted items with the drapey cardigan.

By the way, if you saw my High Rise Jeans That’ll Change Your Life post, you already know how much I swear by these Madewell high-rise jeans (now available in waist sizes up to 37). I’m usually a reliable 28 in Madewell jeans.

My watch is a Daniel Wellington style I was gifted by the company. Its color combination instantly won my attention. Like DW styles? Use the code ECONOMYOFSTYLE to get 15% off your own watch.

Location: St. Louis Public Library, Downtown St. Louis